Principles for Relationships from God's Word by Claudio Consuegra

Marriage and Media – 1

An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. Proverbs 12:4 (NKJV)

From the media, and even the magazine counter at the checkout line in the grocery store, there are numerous challenges to our traditional view of marriage. This actor and his wife just got a divorce. That singer and her husband are splitting up. The actor and the singer are getting married…and then divorced. As if that were not enough, apps and websites have been developed to encourage married people to have an affair, safely, with other married people who are not really looking for a relationship…just a casual sexual encounter.

On the other side, writes, Laura Waldvogel,[i] “we often see edited representations of marriage while scrolling through our newsfeeds, giving the impression that picture-perfect marriages are the norm, and anything less than that is something to be ashamed of.” It’s important that we don’t allow these distorted views of marriage discourage us. Waldvogel suggests we remember five things:

Media feeds on the extremes. The media is always looking for the sensational, for that which draws attention to the headlines, and therefore to that which will sell their product. In particular, the news media thrives on controversy and bad news…and we keep watching it while sponsors keep paying commercial time for it. As Waldvogel says, “Remember this– your relationship is not destined for the same fate as those you see in the tabloids, nor do you and your partner have to live up to the perfectly-posed moments you see on social media.”

You won’t see your faces on the cover of US Weekly. This is one of the best things about not being a famous person! Chances are, your relationship should not be in the public eye for the world to see. Sadly, celebrity couples face unique challenges due to the nature of their business, the media, and paparazzi need to expose and sell their pictures. Famous people’s issues tend to be distorted and blown out of proportion. It is not healthy for you to think your marriage is up against this same standards. It’s like comparing apples to oranges. Enjoy your anonymity and privacy.

Father God, we are surrounded by media and sensationalism. Please help me protect my family from all its negative influence.